Orthopedics Research

Total Knee Replacement Research

Todd Borus, M.D., and Donald Roberts, M.D., are co-investigators in two studies being funded by MAKO Surgical Corp.

Clinical and Economic Comparison of Robotic vs Manual Knee Arthroplasty: In this study, the hypothesis being tested is that MAKO® robot-assisted partial knee replacement spares tissue which will result in better functional outcomes and decreased cost at 1 year. This study has a goal of 150 participants with a strict inclusion/exclusion criteria and follow-up at intervals over 1 year. Clinical, functional, and economic data is collected.

Clinical Outcomes of Joint Arthroplasty: In this study, the hypothesis being tested is that MAKO® robot-assisted surgery replacing one or two compartments of the knee joint has 10-year implant survival and clinical outcomes that are equivalent to other knee replacement systems. This study has follow-up at intervals over 10 years. Clinical and functional data is collected.

Metal on Metal Hip Resurfacing Study

The CONSERVE Plus Total Hip Resurfacing System is a hip replacement designed for the unique needs of younger patients with degenerative hip disease. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of the CONSERVE Plus system compared to the published results of conventional metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacements.

Edward Sparling, M.D., was one of eight orthopedic surgeons across the nation to participate as a principal investigator in the clinical trial. Though the initial patient enrollment phase, which began in November 2000, is complete, the FDA recently approved CONSERVE Plus for “continued use access,” which means we may now continue to enroll patients in this study. We will be following all patients for at least two years after surgery.

Total Knee Replacement Patella Resurfacing Study

Donald Roberts, M.D., conducts original research on the value of resurfacing the underside of the patella (kneecap) during a total knee replacement. The question is whether a healthy-appearing patella, in the presence of an otherwise arthritic knee, should have its surface replaced by a small, polyethylene disk during knee replacement surgery. Currently, both resurfacing the kneecap and not resurfacing it are accepted surgical techniques.

This is a randomized, double-blind study, meaning each patient has an equal chance of being treated with or without patellar resurfacing and both patient and study clinician is unaware which method was used. Patients of both Dr. Donald Roberts, M.D., and Dr. T. David Hayes, M.D., are participating. Enrollment in this study is complete and patient follow-up will continue for ten years after knee replacement surgery.

Total Knee Replacement Rotating Platform Study

T. David Hayes, M.D. is one of six principals investigating the Rotating Platform knee prosthesis, a device that may potentially provide better function and reduced wear through its advanced technical design. This study, sponsored by DePuy Orthopedics, may help determine if this advanced design will improve wear and function compared to the established standard Total Knee Replacement device we have used for over ten years. Both total knee devices are fully FDA approved.

This is a randomized, double-blind study, meaning each patient has an equal chance of being treated with either device and both patient and study clinician are unaware which device was used. Patients of both T. David Hayes, M.D., and Donald Roberts, M.D., are invited to enroll in this study. A total of fifty patients will be followed for five years.

Total Knee Replacement Outcomes Research

Donald Roberts, M.D., and T. David Hayes, M.D., believe it is important to carefully measure the results of total knee replacement surgery for each patient. They are concerned about how each patient’s knee functions before surgery and how the knee replacement improves their quality of life.

Therefore, the doctors monitor the condition and progress of each knee replacement over time. This information enables them to compare progress with other patients who have had the same type of surgery. Each patient is evaluated pre-operatively, then post-operatively at six weeks, 3 months, one and two years, then every other year, culminating in the tenth year following the knee replacement surgery. This research is a collaborative effort with Southwest Washington Medical Center’s Rebound Rehabilitation.